School of Engineering & Applied Science

Alison Sweeney of the University of Pennsylvania has been studying giant clams since she was a postdoctoral fellow at the University of California, Santa Barbara.

Ali Sundermier November 2, 2017

Filtration membranes are, at their core, sponge-like materials that have micro- or nanoscopically small pores. Unwanted chemicals, bacteria and even viruses are physically blocked by the maze of mesh, but liquids like water can make it through.

Evan Lerner, Patricia Quigley ・November 1, 2017

Inspired by how geometry influences physical systems such as soft matter, researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have revealed surprising insights into how the physics of molecules within a cell affect how the cell behaves.

Evan Lerner, Ali Sundermier ・October 31, 2017

In a blink of an eye, an octopus can transform from a colorful creature to a drab pile of rocks and plant life, indistinguishable from the surface it’s perched on.  This camouflage relies on specialized pigment organs, but what makes the octopus unique among animals is its ability to change the texture of its skin.

Evan Lerner, Ali Sundermier, Tom Fleischman ・October 18, 2017

The University of Pennsylvania’s School of Engineering and Applied Science has established the Intel Center for Wireless Autonomous Systems. The research group, made possible by a three-year, $1.5 million gift from Intel, will investigate how robots and other machines can best wirelessly communicate with each other in high-stakes situations.

Evan Lerner, Ali Sundermier ・October 18, 2017

The United States Army Research Laboratory awarded the School of Engineering and Applied Science a five-year, $27 million grant to develop new methods of creating autonomous, intelligent, and resilient teams of robots.

Evan Lerner, Ali Sundermier ・October 11, 2017

When it comes to taking up room without adding too much weight, the bubble can’t be beat. Because they are mostly air, they’re ultra-lightweight and can expand to fill any given space.

Ali Sundermier October 10, 2017

Infections caused by viruses, such as respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, measles, parainfluenza and Ebola, are typically considered acute. These viruses cause disease quickly and live within a host for a limited time. But in some cases the effects of the infection, and presence of the virus itself, can persist.

Katherine Unger Baillie ・October 6, 2017

by Erica AndersenWhen University of Pennsylvania undergraduate Kyle Kersey wants to describe his research, he finds it difficult to delve into the intricacies of coordination, solubility and steric effects. So he’s settled on a different tactic.“The word I like to use is ‘humbling,’” says Kersey.

Evan Lerner, Ali Sundermier ・September 21, 2017